Technology-driven innovation key to India’s economic renaissance: Dr Jitendra

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday said that the technology-driven innovation pushed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) in last one decade is the key to India’s economic renaissance, with its contribution expanding from research to industry, startups and national growth.

The Minister said science must now move “from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact,” reflecting a new policy direction that integrates research with economic outcomes.

Dr. Jitendra Singh was addressing the 56th Foundation Day of the Department of Science and Technology at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Auditorium, New Delhi. The event was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Secretary, DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar, along with leading scientists, academicians and members of the scientific fraternity.

The Minister said India’s science and technology landscape has undergone a decisive transformation over the past decade, supported by policy decisions that opened sectors such as space and nuclear energy to private participation. He said these steps have unlocked new opportunities for StartUps and industry, enabling India to leverage its vast human resource and strengthen its position in the global innovation ecosystem.

Referring to the rapid expansion of the space sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that within a few years of opening it to private players, India is witnessing a surge in startup-driven innovation, with new capabilities emerging in areas such as satellite technologies, contributing both to economic growth and national preparedness. He added that similar momentum is building across emerging technology domains.

The Minister said that no country can advance in science by remaining isolated from industry and the private sector, and called for deeper collaboration across government, academia and industry. He also stressed the importance of indigenous research, noting that India is increasingly developing its own technologies across sectors, including critical areas such as pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s global scientific standing has also strengthened significantly, with a growing share of highly cited research publications, reflecting both quality and impact. He pointed to the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem, from a few hundred a decade ago to over two lakhs today, as evidence of a rapidly maturing innovation landscape.

The Minister emphasised that scientific institutions must actively communicate their achievements and engage with stakeholders, noting that visibility and outreach are essential to attract partnerships and ensure wider societal impact. He said that while innovators must be encouraged, it is equally important to build a transparent and merit-based ecosystem that guides young talent with clarity and realism.

He further referred to ongoing administrative reforms aimed at improving efficiency and aligning institutions with present-day technological needs, including restructuring of legacy systems and greater decentralisation in decision-making.

Earlier, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood spoke about the need to align research with technology development and commercialization, while Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar highlighted major initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, RDI Fund and National Quantum Mission to strengthen India’s science and innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that with sustained reforms, strong institutional frameworks and active participation from all stakeholders, India’s science and technology ecosystem will play a defining role in shaping the country’s economic growth and global leadership in the coming years.